Minimum Wage in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Wisconsin follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state-specific increase.
How Wisconsin treats Minimum Wage
Wisconsin has not established a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 per hour. The state does not adjust its minimum wage for inflation or schedule automatic increases. Employers in Wisconsin must comply with federal minimum wage requirements, and the state does not provide additional wage protections beyond federal law in this area.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.